Ecosystem Investments Manager

Role overview

This opportunity is with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) for a 12-month freelance contract. The assignment supports a high-priority initiative aimed at expanding Abu Dhabi’s gaming ecosystem through strategic investments and acquisitions.

DCT Abu Dhabi is the government body responsible for advancing the long-term growth of the emirate’s culture and tourism industries and for strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a destination for culture, creativity, and tourism.

The selected professional will help identify and assess international gaming businesses, shape co-investment structures with sovereign wealth funds and private equity partners, and support localization and value-creation plans for acquired companies so they can build a meaningful long-term presence in Abu Dhabi.

Target identification and investment assessment

• Source and evaluate established international gaming companies that could fit the organization’s investment and acquisition strategy.
• Maintain a healthy deal pipeline covering anchor businesses, mid-sized studios, and specialized portfolio assets.
• Review strategic alignment, relocation potential, and opportunities to create value.
• Perform due diligence on shortlisted targets across commercial, financial, intellectual property, and talent-retention dimensions.

Co-investment and transaction structuring

• Help design joint investment structures with sovereign wealth funds and private equity investors to balance risk and capital deployment.
• Develop and sustain relationships with co-investors and align parties on governance and investment approach.
• Assess ownership options and transaction models, including majority acquisitions with relocation and minority stakes supported by local joint ventures.
• Support deal terms, execution, and oversight while maintaining sound institutional risk controls.

Localization, value creation, and ecosystem growth

• Contribute to valuation work, investment evaluation, and deal-structuring activities.
• Support negotiation efforts and transaction execution workstreams.
• Prepare investment memoranda, strategic analyses, and materials for executive decisions.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external stakeholders throughout the full investment process.

Localization and ecosystem development

• Incorporate relocation, joint venture, and collaboration commitments into transaction structures, with ecosystem fit treated as a key value driver alongside price.
• Work with investment attraction stakeholders on incentives and landing packages.
• Support post-deal localization and value-creation initiatives that help secure a lasting Abu Dhabi footprint.
• Ensure investments support broader ecosystem development and sustainable value creation.

Contract details

This is a 12-month freelance contract based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The role is onsite.

Requirements

• 8 to 10 years of experience, ideally from an MBB or similar top-tier strategy consulting firm, with strong due diligence and deal experience supporting private equity firms and corporate buyers.
• Demonstrated hands-on involvement in buy-side acquisition engagements.
• Experience working with sovereign wealth funds, private equity investors, and strategic counterparties.

Core capabilities

• Strong analytical and structuring ability, including target screening, valuation reasoning, ecosystem-fit evaluation, and deal framing.
• Deep practical experience with due diligence across commercial, financial, IP, and talent areas.
• Good understanding of transaction structures, co-investment models, and joint venture setups.
• Confidence engaging with sovereign wealth funds, private equity firms, and strategic investors.
• Strong written and verbal communication, stakeholder management, and executive presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in complex, high-pressure, and fast-moving transaction settings.

Preferred experience

• Gaming transaction experience is preferred, while exposure to media, technology, or entertainment is also relevant.
• Background in M&A, private equity, or corporate development, either in-house or in an advisory capacity.
• Exposure to cross-border deals and to relocation or localization structures.
• Working knowledge of AI tools and how they can support strategy and due diligence work.

Application note

Interested candidates may share their CV for consideration.